The original of the following historical account was written in 1932 in dialogue form for the Centennial Pageant presented on April 13 and 14 of that year. Mrs. G. B. Samson, Miss Gladys Gunsauls, and Mrs. Fred L. Cagwin were co-authors. This present prose form is an adaptation of the Pageant. It has been written by Mrs. Cagwin this year, 1957, for the 125th Anniversary to be observed May 2, 3, and 5. It is to be read as of the year of its original writing, 1932.

Contents of Part III:

The New Stone Church

The Burning of the Church

The Rebuilding of the Church

The Devotion of the People

The New Stone Church

In 1875, $3,529 was spent on general repairs to the Mother Church and worship continued in that edifice until 1892, when it was torn down to make room for a new stone church. Until that was ready, a temporary building called the tabernacle was erected on the rear of the parsonage lot, between Terrace and Wyoming Streets, and used for worship. The cornerstone of the new church was laid on September 7, 1892, and on September 13, 1893, it was dedicated, having cost $40,186.55, just about ten times as much as the first one. This church was built by our venerable member, Tylman C. Robinson, who is still with us, from plans drawn up by Architect Langley. The marriage of Miss Cora Bell and Mr. Walter G. Scurry was the first one solemnized in the new church, on June 24, 1896.

On September 8, 1899, the 71st Anniversary of the Church was observed at which time over $10,000 was subscribed for necessary expenses. On September 8, 1901, the Diamond Anniversary was celebrated with the triumphant announcement by the Rev. A. F. Chaffee that the debt had been raised. At the evening service, Pierce Butler burned the mortgage, while the congregation joyously sang the Doxology over and over again.

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The Burning of the Church

But their happiness at being freed from the burden of debt was only short-lived, for just about ten weeks later, on November 17, 1901, the beautiful structure was in ruins, destroyed by fire! This was to have been the annual missionary day, when preparations had been made for a large offering, but tears and heartbreak filled the day instead. However, that very afternoon, even before the fire was out, the Board of Trustees, those pillars 'of the Church who had worked so untiringly, met to make plans for rebuilding at once, with Pierce Butler, President, Alfred Pascoe, Treasurer; Daniel Scurry, Irving Davis, Henry Jadwin, T. C. Robinson, W. E. Kirby, G. C. Whitelock and G. W. Reynolds, led by the Pastor, Rev. Amasa F. Chaffee, as the Building Committee.

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The Rebuilding of the Church

The community and surrounding towns were very sympathetic; sister churches offered the use of their edifices, and W. W. Watt offered his hall gratuitously. His offer was accepted and services were conducted there from January, 1902 until March, 1903. For all these kindnesses, the church people were deeply grateful. They received $20,000 insurance, the various societies began raising money, and generous friends in Carbondale and Scranton contributed over $3,000. The Epworth League, which had been organized in 1889 by Rev. L. C. Floyd, its membership numbering upwards of 200, gave as its contribution the beautiful north window, "The Visit of the Women to the Tomb."

Sometime before this, Mr. Tylman C. Robinson had sold his lumber business to J. A. Hoole, so that while Mr. Hoole was really the contractor, he used the original plans which Mr. Robinson had used in building the earlier church. It must have made him very happy to see his dream come true again, as the splendid building rose, like the Phoenix from the fire, more beautiful than before, if possible. A fine example of Christian co-operation was shown by Monsignor Coffey, the late beloved Pastor of St. Rose Catholic Church, who allowed our contractor the privilege of storing the lumber and cutting the stone on the plot of grass in front of St. Rose Hall, thereby saving us about $1,000 which it would have cost to store these materials elsewhere. All he asked was that our workmen clean up the lawn and re-sod it afterwards. In building the new church, the walls which had not been seriously damaged were used substantially as they were, the front gable being enlarged and the stone work in the tower balcony extended 15 feet. The old bell had been ruined by the fire, much to the grief of the people, but they were able to use about 617 lbs. of it in the construction of the present one, enough metal being added to make a bell weighing 2,012 lbs. About 145 lbs. of the old bell were made into little souvenir bells, selling at $1 each, thus creating a fund for the new bell which could be heard clear down to Jermyn, it was reported.

It was sad to think the lovely organ had been destroyed, but a new one was purchased for $3,300. The new church was dedicated on Sunday, March 8, 1903, the Rev. John Krantz, D.D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. At the evening service a beautiful hymn written by Mrs. Chaffee, the Pastor's wife, was sung with great enthusiasm.

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The Devotion of the People

Now, once more, the people found themselves burdened with debt, but to them it was just another obstacle to be overcome.

There is nothing which cannot be accomplished by a devoted group of people working together for some good cause, so in a comparatively short time, the church was once again free of debt.

We have a fine example of the loyalty and devotion of these builders for eternity in James Place, or "Jimmy" as he was affectionately called, to whom has been given the rare privilege of seeing almost all these changes take place during his 94 years of life. He is our oldest member and his lifetime parallels the Centenary we are now celebrating. This Church would not seem the same without hearing his "Hallelujah" or "Amen" ring out from a heart overflowing with love for his Master.

Our second oldest member, William Anderson, left his earthly home for the Larger Life only last Sunday morning, April 10, 1932. We deeply regret that he could not have lived to enjoy this occasion.

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Later note

The three old friends, oldest members of the congregation, were not long separated. Tylman C. Robinson passed on just 8 days after taking part in the Pageant in his 89th year. James Place, who had also been in the Pageant, died the following year, October 12, 1933, at the age of 95.